Tall Wild Sunflower

Giant Sunflower
Helianthus giganteus

A towering native perennial, Giant Sunflower produces masses of bright golden-yellow flower heads atop tall, rough purplish stems from late summer into fall. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves and graceful height make it a spectacular focal point in meadows, rain gardens, and naturalized landscapes, where it provides brilliant late-season colour.

Blooming when many other wildflowers have finished, Giant Sunflower is an invaluable source of nectar and pollen for native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. As autumn progresses, the abundant seeds become an important food source for songbirds, especially goldfinches, chickadees, and other seed-eating birds. The long-lasting blooms also make excellent cut flowers for fresh arrangements.

Easy to grow and highly adaptable, Giant Sunflower spreads by rhizomes to form impressive colonies that bring structure, movement, and outstanding ecological value to the landscape.

Growing Conditions

Height: 6–10 ft
Spread: 2–4 ft, spreading by rhizomes
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist to average, well-drained soils; tolerant of clay and seasonal flooding
Hardiness: Zone 3–8
Growth Rate: Fast
Prefers consistent moisture but adapts to a wide range of soils
Ideal for meadows, rain gardens, shoreline plantings, pollinator gardens, and naturalized landscapes.

Ecological Value

• Outstanding late-season nectar and pollen source for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
• Seeds provide an important fall and winter food source for goldfinches, chickadees, and other songbirds.
• Dense stands provide shelter and nesting habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife.
• Excellent species for supporting biodiversity and extending the flowering season into autumn.

Larval Host Plant For

Supports the larvae of the Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis), Gorgone Checkerspot (Chlosyne gorgone), Bordered Patch (Chlosyne lacinia), and numerous native moth species.

Companion Species

New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)
Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum)
Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)
Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive
Origin Native Plants

3.5 inch Pots